Aa
medications
I have g3a and my doctors nurse called me today and told me that another doctor read my results and made notes on my labs that they want me to do the 3 treatments which includes the shots. Im wondering why when all I have been reading from this forum is the 2 treatment solvadi and ribafarin . Now im really scared and upset. I have to wait until feb 10 to actually see my doctor to discuss. Im hoping he will not do the 3 treatments. all my labs have low counts and no scarring on the liver does anyone out there have any suggestions for me on what to expect at this point. Im not rich I have to work and now im faced with possibly losing my job if my doctor wont put me on disability. I heard the 3 treatments are very harsh on the body kinda like chemo. Im so scared I don't know what to do.
You may not be able to work if you do the "injections". I thought that stuff was banned by FDA.
I'd ask for Solvadi/Ribaviran. Did you get a fibroscan?
I'd ask for Solvadi/Ribaviran. Did you get a fibroscan?
Hi there,
Im still waiting for approvals for my meds, Im filling hopeful that they will approve me this week, I will keep you informed on what happens, I donot want to wait for any new drugs I just want to treat now and hopefully continue to work.
Im still waiting for approvals for my meds, Im filling hopeful that they will approve me this week, I will keep you informed on what happens, I donot want to wait for any new drugs I just want to treat now and hopefully continue to work.
Good move going to the second doc. Stay with them if you can. Your script was written, now you wait patiently for approval. It could take up to 2 months but hopefully just a few weeks. Once approved it goes fast. They will deliver the meds to you. You got lucky with this new doc.
It seems they want you to get clearance from a psychologist and Ophthalmologist before starting treatment because of the interferon for anxiety and solvadi for eyesight. I didn't have to get these clearances for S/O.
First, with G3, ir should be approved as it is presently the Portocol for that. You MAY have to get your Dr to furnish some added info, but if he is experienced in thepc, by now, he probably won't have any problem.
However, just on the off chance that it is not approved, you can file an application on Gilead supportpath.com ot mysupportpath.com and get meds through them, directly. Also Panfoundation.org is available to help assist if your Ins does cover it, bit not ALL (the co-pay).
I don't think there is anything to worry about though. Please keep us informed, and don't be afraid to ask questions that come up.
Good luck and good treating! Kill that Dragon. Pat!
However, just on the off chance that it is not approved, you can file an application on Gilead supportpath.com ot mysupportpath.com and get meds through them, directly. Also Panfoundation.org is available to help assist if your Ins does cover it, bit not ALL (the co-pay).
I don't think there is anything to worry about though. Please keep us informed, and don't be afraid to ask questions that come up.
Good luck and good treating! Kill that Dragon. Pat!
I went to get a second opinion today, The doctor said that nurse didn't know what she was talking about. He actually wrote out the prescription for Solvadi and ribvarin but he said it still needs to be approved, If its not do u know where I can apply for some kind of financial aid to get these meds. I want to be treated now not wait until my liver starts going bad, Please let me know if you have any ideas for me. Thank u
There you go my friend, this group is outstanding. Everyone has given you a lot to think about so you can take your time do your research and be an active participant in what you feel you may or may not want to treat with. I'm so happy you have so much great info.
Keep the community updated!
Virtual hugs
Peace
Deb
Keep the community updated!
Virtual hugs
Peace
Deb
The AASLD says either Sovaldi & Riba for 24 weeks or on equal footing if the patient is interferon tolerant Sovaldi, Riba & interferon for 12 weeks those are both currently recommended options.
It could be the insurance company would prefer to pay for 12 weeks of Sovaldi at cost of $8,400.00 vs $168,000.00 for 24 weeks on interferon free especially unless the patient can demonstrate they are interferon intolerant they may mandate the 12 week treatment with interferon.
Just another example of insurance company bean counters determining our health care choices instead of our doctors.
If the problem is your insurance won't allow the interferon free treatment unless you can get the doctor to say you can't take interferon. Then your only options are either treat with interferon for 12 weeks or wait for the next thing coming down the road.
And as others have said if you don't have liver damage you can afford to wait a year or more for what is coming next for GT 3. I have had hep c for likely 37 years and cirrhosis for 7 years.
And just to add, not everyone experiences harsh side effects to interferon. I had the classic "flu like symptoms" basicially I felt achey and draggy like I was just getting over the flu for 6 months and I treated 3 different times with interferon based treatment. This is only 12 weeks but for some yes it is more difficult than others.
Good luck hope everything works out for you
Lynn
It could be the insurance company would prefer to pay for 12 weeks of Sovaldi at cost of $8,400.00 vs $168,000.00 for 24 weeks on interferon free especially unless the patient can demonstrate they are interferon intolerant they may mandate the 12 week treatment with interferon.
Just another example of insurance company bean counters determining our health care choices instead of our doctors.
If the problem is your insurance won't allow the interferon free treatment unless you can get the doctor to say you can't take interferon. Then your only options are either treat with interferon for 12 weeks or wait for the next thing coming down the road.
And as others have said if you don't have liver damage you can afford to wait a year or more for what is coming next for GT 3. I have had hep c for likely 37 years and cirrhosis for 7 years.
And just to add, not everyone experiences harsh side effects to interferon. I had the classic "flu like symptoms" basicially I felt achey and draggy like I was just getting over the flu for 6 months and I treated 3 different times with interferon based treatment. This is only 12 weeks but for some yes it is more difficult than others.
Good luck hope everything works out for you
Lynn
Hi there, I agree with everyone above, if you have little to no damage you have time to take a look at all of your possibilities. There is no rush, HCV is a slow moving virus.
The doctor should want what is being suggested and is best for you.
Either he is not up to date on treatment protocols or you have Kaiser where the doctors are rewarded for keeping costs down. I am sorry. You should not do interferon. If there had been all these choices 3 years ago I would not have had to do interferon. It was not good for me as I had anxiety before it and it exacerbated it.
I had no choice in the matter. You do.
Take care, my best, Dee
Pat, I like your soapbox :)
The doctor should want what is being suggested and is best for you.
Either he is not up to date on treatment protocols or you have Kaiser where the doctors are rewarded for keeping costs down. I am sorry. You should not do interferon. If there had been all these choices 3 years ago I would not have had to do interferon. It was not good for me as I had anxiety before it and it exacerbated it.
I had no choice in the matter. You do.
Take care, my best, Dee
Pat, I like your soapbox :)
Yes, it sounds like you caught it early and that gives you time to study, learn and make informed decisions.
As we have all said, but worth repeating, feel free to ask any question. We will help, or certainly try, and we have very knowledgable people here.
It is so great that you have time. Start drinking 1 oz of water for each lb, up to half your body weight; eating liver friendly foods, fresh fruits, veggies, little red meat; etc.; and, if you do so now is the time to stop or begin stopping smoking, drinking alcohol and/or using drugs. Those behaviors are bad for your liver.
All all of us there? If not (most are), the rest are trying. Will we nag you about this? We may remind you, if need be, but we are not the behavior police. You are responsible for that. Should you beat yourself up over any past misuse, or failure to quit? Absolutely NOT. The object is to improve your health so, when you decide what meds to use, they have an optimum chance of working, AND to keep your liver as healthy as possible til then- and after.
There I go, on my soapbox, again! Sorry. : -). Just want everyone with hepc to have the best chance possible to cure it and have a long, normal healthy life.
Pat
As we have all said, but worth repeating, feel free to ask any question. We will help, or certainly try, and we have very knowledgable people here.
It is so great that you have time. Start drinking 1 oz of water for each lb, up to half your body weight; eating liver friendly foods, fresh fruits, veggies, little red meat; etc.; and, if you do so now is the time to stop or begin stopping smoking, drinking alcohol and/or using drugs. Those behaviors are bad for your liver.
All all of us there? If not (most are), the rest are trying. Will we nag you about this? We may remind you, if need be, but we are not the behavior police. You are responsible for that. Should you beat yourself up over any past misuse, or failure to quit? Absolutely NOT. The object is to improve your health so, when you decide what meds to use, they have an optimum chance of working, AND to keep your liver as healthy as possible til then- and after.
There I go, on my soapbox, again! Sorry. : -). Just want everyone with hepc to have the best chance possible to cure it and have a long, normal healthy life.
Pat
Thank you all for everyone's comments. I haven't had a chance to talk to my doctor yet so what the nurse was telling me might be incorrect but she did say injection. I hope she knew what she was talking about because i repeated back what she said and she said Yes, Also she said I needed clearance from a psychologist and Ophthalmologist before starting treatment. I have heard from other resources that they don't use interferon anymore so maybe it is a different medication. I guess to wait 30 days longer wont kill me. Thank you all for your support and I will give you all updates as the month goes by and if they are able to get me in sooner. ALso Im trying to learn as much info on these awful disease, I just dont understand it all . Ive been studying all my labs and comparing to what people are telling me. But my labs are very low so at least i feel good that we caught it before it got worse.
Hi. There is also the option, for Genotype 3s, to wait until Daklinza (daclatasvir) is approved by FDA (to be taken w/ Sovaldi). Shouldn't be too long in US. Already approved and in use in Europe, Japan, and soon in Canada.
This is especially true if you do not have liver damage or even if you are Stage F1 or F2.
The reason to go ahead and treat now / 24 weeks of Sovaldi and Ribavirin is id you are F3 or cirrhotic. If the Sol/Riba cures you, the great, and if it does not, then it has kept you virus free for about 6 months, giving your liver much needed help AND you will have the Daklinza as a back-up.
truly a great time to be diagnosed. Having choices is wonderful. Having said that, if it is not already clear from the above, I AGREE with everyone! The Interferon is NOT the way to go. Not only does it have long lasting side effects, it can be prettydebilitating while you are on treatment.
This is especially true if you do not have liver damage or even if you are Stage F1 or F2.
The reason to go ahead and treat now / 24 weeks of Sovaldi and Ribavirin is id you are F3 or cirrhotic. If the Sol/Riba cures you, the great, and if it does not, then it has kept you virus free for about 6 months, giving your liver much needed help AND you will have the Daklinza as a back-up.
truly a great time to be diagnosed. Having choices is wonderful. Having said that, if it is not already clear from the above, I AGREE with everyone! The Interferon is NOT the way to go. Not only does it have long lasting side effects, it can be prettydebilitating while you are on treatment.
Per the current American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C released 12/19/14 the recommended treatments and non recommended current treatments are copied below:
Link
http://www.hcvguidelines.org/full-report/initial-treatment-box-summary-recommendations-patients-who-are-initiating-therapy-hcv
Recommended regimen for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Daily sofosbuvir (400 mg) and weight-based RBV (1000 mg [75 kg]) for 24 weeks is recommended for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Rating: Class I, Level B
Alternative regimens for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Daily sofosbuvir (400 mg) and weight-based RBV (1000 mg [75 kg]) plus weekly PEG-IFN for 12 weeks is an acceptable regimen for IFN-eligible, treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Rating: Class IIa, Level A
The following regimens are NOT recommended for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
PEG-IFN and RBV for 24 weeks to 48 weeks
Rating: Class IIb, Level A
Monotherapy with PEG-IFN, RBV, or a direct-acting antiviral
Rating: Class III, Level A
Telaprevir-, boceprevir-, or simeprevir-based regimens should not be used for patients with genotype 3 HCV infection.
Rating: Class III, Level A
I am assuming you are treatment naive there is different info for treatment experienced.
Basically the bottom line is you can treat for 24 weeks with Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and ribavirin for 24 weeks or Sovaldi, Interferon and Ribavirin for 12 weeks. IAnd with the $100.00 per pill for Sovaldi that may be part of the reason they want you to go with the12 week with interferon version especially if you insurance may not approve the 24 weks of sovaldi ribavirin unless you can demonstrate somehow that you are interferon intolerant.
Good Luck
Lynn
Link
http://www.hcvguidelines.org/full-report/initial-treatment-box-summary-recommendations-patients-who-are-initiating-therapy-hcv
Recommended regimen for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Daily sofosbuvir (400 mg) and weight-based RBV (1000 mg [75 kg]) for 24 weeks is recommended for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Rating: Class I, Level B
Alternative regimens for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Daily sofosbuvir (400 mg) and weight-based RBV (1000 mg [75 kg]) plus weekly PEG-IFN for 12 weeks is an acceptable regimen for IFN-eligible, treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
Rating: Class IIa, Level A
The following regimens are NOT recommended for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 3 infection.
PEG-IFN and RBV for 24 weeks to 48 weeks
Rating: Class IIb, Level A
Monotherapy with PEG-IFN, RBV, or a direct-acting antiviral
Rating: Class III, Level A
Telaprevir-, boceprevir-, or simeprevir-based regimens should not be used for patients with genotype 3 HCV infection.
Rating: Class III, Level A
I am assuming you are treatment naive there is different info for treatment experienced.
Basically the bottom line is you can treat for 24 weeks with Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and ribavirin for 24 weeks or Sovaldi, Interferon and Ribavirin for 12 weeks. IAnd with the $100.00 per pill for Sovaldi that may be part of the reason they want you to go with the12 week with interferon version especially if you insurance may not approve the 24 weks of sovaldi ribavirin unless you can demonstrate somehow that you are interferon intolerant.
Good Luck
Lynn
The hep c tracker wants the log10 IU/mL number not the IU/mL number.
For example my viral load is 2,422,260 IU/mL while on the logarithmic scale it is 6.384 log10 IU/mL. The logarithmic scale is how scientists evaluate populations of any species.
Basically a different scale to look at the same information.
So when I enter my viral load I enter 6.4
here is a tool to compute a log value
https://www.easycalculation.com/log-antilog.php
I converted your for you and got 6.586587304671754 log10 IU/mL try that number. by the way log10 means log base 10 when spoken.
Good luck
Lynn
For example my viral load is 2,422,260 IU/mL while on the logarithmic scale it is 6.384 log10 IU/mL. The logarithmic scale is how scientists evaluate populations of any species.
Basically a different scale to look at the same information.
So when I enter my viral load I enter 6.4
here is a tool to compute a log value
https://www.easycalculation.com/log-antilog.php
I converted your for you and got 6.586587304671754 log10 IU/mL try that number. by the way log10 means log base 10 when spoken.
Good luck
Lynn
3,860,000 VL isn't off the charts although it is high. Mine was 6,100,000 and Rbeth was much higher than mine.
I'd demand Solvadi Riba. Refuse the needle. That's a terrible choice.
I'd demand Solvadi Riba. Refuse the needle. That's a terrible choice.
Welcome Your Dr is not giving you good advice if he wants to treat you with Interferon. That would likely be the 3rd drug he's talking about or this trio method that he is suggesting. Interferon although effective, has many side effects and is slowly being taken off the market. In the past year a group of safer and more effective drugs are curing upwards of 90%. Personally if this is the protocol that he wants you to do go elsewhere. This would indicate that he is not up to date on the current recommendations and would not be a good choice for you and your treatment options.
BTW. Mid Feb seems like a long wait to get some answers. I would call around to see someone sooner just for piece of mind. You are in no danger to wait, but once you get started you will feel alot better about the situation.
Good luck
....Kim
BTW. Mid Feb seems like a long wait to get some answers. I would call around to see someone sooner just for piece of mind. You are in no danger to wait, but once you get started you will feel alot better about the situation.
Good luck
....Kim
I found out that I have hepatitis c a month ago . Find out what geno type next week. But I am a little confused about the viral load and how to read it. Doctor told me my viral load is 3,860,000 . I thought I heard him wrong about the 3 million part but he assured me that was the viral load. But everything I read talks about 800,000 and above being high. The hep c tracker will not let me enter this number says it's to high . What am I doing wrong or over looking?
There are people still treating using Inf/Rib/Sov, with descent cure rates. I have only seen Sovaldi being used with Inteferon/Ribaviran in the past 6 mths. I am not surprised to see interferon use again as the ins/drug cos. continue battling. 12 wks - Doable. JM
Welcome to the forum. Calm down and allow the good people here will help you understand all this. Could be your doctor wants you to tx with Interferon, Ribavarin and either Incivek or one of the other drugs. Keep in mind that going through any kind of tx is your choice. If you have too much on your plate right now and it's not a good time for you to go through tx, then just tell your doctor you changed your mind or you want different drugs. It's your body and your HepC and you can tx when you want. It sounds like you're fairly healthy and you don't need to tx right away. Someone else will chime in later on or tomorrow. good luck!
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